Raptors trade O.G. to Knicks for Barrett, Quickley
The Toronto Raptors traded forward O.G. Anunoby, big man Precious Achiuwa, and guard Malachi Flynn to the New York Knicks for wing RJ Barrett, guard Immanuel Quickley, and a second-round draft pick, the teams announced Saturday.
"We're excited about welcoming Immanuel and RJ to our team," Raptors president Masai Ujiri said. "Immanuel is a young, talented playmaker who we believe will provide a spark on both ends of the court. RJ is a versatile wing who is, of course, well-known in his hometown, and seeing him in a Raptors uniform will be a special moment for our fans and for all Canadians.
"It's never easy to say goodbye, especially when players like O.G. and Malachi have spent their careers with our team. We wish Precious, Malachi, and O.G. all the best."
The Raptors acquired the Detroit Pistons' 2024 second-rounder in the deal, reports ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
New York waived wing DaQuan Jeffries to make roster space for the trade.
Anunoby is in the third season of a four-year, $72-million contract. The 26-year-old has a player option worth $19.9 million for next season, and Saturday is the final day for him to be eligible to sign a four-year, $116.9-million extension with the Knicks, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.
New York is motivated to re-sign Anunoby as a free agent this summer, Wojnarowski adds.
Anunoby averaged 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and a steal in 27 games with the Raptors this season.
Toronto drafted the Indiana product with the 23rd pick in 2017. Anunoby has since become one of the best all-around defenders in the NBA, making All-Defensive second team and leading the league in steals last season.
The Raptors are expected to continue to explore trade options for Pascal Siakam, but there haven't been any deals with traction involving the former All-Star, sources told Wojnarowski. Toronto has struggled to find consistency this season, ranking 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 12-19 record.
Barrett, a native of Mississauga, Ontario, returns north of the border. The 23-year-old is averaging 18.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 26 contests this campaign. A men's senior national team member, Barrett helped Canada win a bronze medal at the FIBA World Cup this past offseason.
Quickley is in the final year of his rookie contract. The former Kentucky guard is averaging a career-high 15 points per game, along with 2.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists in a reserve role. He finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting last season.
With the move, the Knicks add a big forward in Anunoby to guard the Eastern Conference's elite. New York ranks seventh in the East with a 17-14 record.
Achiuwa is slated to become the Knicks' backup big, with Isaiah Hartenstein entering the starting lineup for the injured Mitchell Robinson. The 24-year-old is averaging 7.7 points and 5.4 rebounds in 25 games this campaign. Both Achiuwa and Flynn are in the final seasons of their rookie deals.
The Raptors and Knicks face off on Jan. 20.